Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli

Hey there, comfort food lover! You know those nights when you just need something creamy, cozy, and totally satisfying without a ton of effort? This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli is exactly that kind of dish. Imagine tender bites of juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, vibrant green broccoli, and a rich, velvety sauce that hugs every forkful—yeah, it’s that good. And the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes. Trust me, this one’s a weeknight hero!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli

One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor. Everything cooks together beautifully.
Creamy but Not Heavy: The sauce is rich without being too rich—total Goldilocks vibes.
Sneaky Healthy: Spinach and broccoli bring the green goodness, so you can feel good about going back for seconds.
Family-Friendly: It’s mild, cheesy, and comforting—basically guaranteed to win over picky eaters.
Customizable: Swap the protein or veggies depending on what’s in your fridge!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli

Chicken Breast or Thighs

Tender, juicy, and seasoned just right—they bring the hearty protein to this dish.

Pasta

Choose your favorite shape—penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work great for holding onto that dreamy sauce.

Broccoli Florets

Cooked until just tender for a fresh pop of green and a hint of crunch.

Fresh Spinach

Wilts perfectly into the creamy sauce, adding color and a mild, earthy flavor.

Garlic and Onion

The aromatic base that builds deep, comforting flavor.

Cream or Half-and-Half

For that luscious, smooth sauce that ties it all together.

Parmesan Cheese

Nutty, salty, and melty—basically the crown jewel of this pasta.

Olive Oil and Butter

Used to sauté the aromatics and chicken, adding richness and depth.

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken

Season and cook chicken in olive oil and butter until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Cook Aromatics

In the same pan, sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant and soft.

Add Broccoli and Pasta

Add broccoli florets and uncooked pasta. Pour in water or broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until pasta is just tender.

Stir in Cream and Spinach

Once pasta is cooked, stir in the cream and toss in fresh spinach. Let it wilt for a minute or two.

Return Chicken and Add Cheese

Add the chicken back into the pan, sprinkle in the Parmesan, and stir everything together until creamy and well coated.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate up a big, warm bowl and maybe top with extra cheese or a little cracked pepper for good measure!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli

• With Garlic Bread: For scooping up any extra sauce (and let’s be honest, there will be extra sauce).
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp side balances the creamy richness.
• Extra Parmesan: Because more cheese is always a good idea.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a little kick if you like heat.

Additional Tips

• Don’t overcook the broccoli: You want it bright green and slightly crisp—not mushy.
• Shred your own Parmesan: It melts better and gives a creamier finish.
• Use rotisserie chicken: A great shortcut if you’re short on time.
• Make it vegetarian: Just skip the chicken and add mushrooms or chickpeas.
• Thin the sauce if needed: A splash of milk or pasta water helps loosen things up.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A1: Totally! Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking so it doesn’t overcook.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! It reheats well. Just add a splash of cream or milk when warming it up to bring the sauce back to life.

Q3: Is this dish gluten-free?
A3: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check all other ingredients to make it GF-friendly.

Q4: What pasta works best?
A4: Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work great for catching the sauce.

Q5: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A5: Yes, but the sauce will be lighter. Add a bit of cornstarch or flour if you want it thicker.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q7: Can I freeze this pasta?
A7: Cream sauces can separate when frozen, so it’s best fresh. But if needed, freeze and reheat gently on the stove.

Q8: How do I reheat this dish?
A8: Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or broth, stirring gently until warmed through.

Q9: Can I add other veggies?
A9: Absolutely! Mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes are great additions.

Q10: Can I make it dairy-free?
A10: Yes! Use a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli is everything you want in a weeknight meal—comforting, flavorful, and just a little indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar without a ton of effort. So grab your pan, pour a glass of something cozy, and get ready to dig into a bowl of pure happiness.

Print